Matthew 14:28-29
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Peter’s request isn't just about walking on water; it's a desperate plea to get closer to Jesus, even if it means facing the raging sea. His "if it is you" reveals a hesitant faith, yet his eagerness to step out shows an incredible, impulsive love for his Lord.
Jesus' disciples are struggling to row their boat against a strong wind on a stormy sea, while Jesus, who had stayed behind to pray, appears to them walking on the water. Initially terrified, thinking they're seeing a ghost, they are calmed when Jesus speaks and identifies himself, but Peter, ever impulsive and eager, asks Jesus to command him to walk on the water too.
Peter's request to walk on water is famously bold, but was it pure faith or something else? Let's look closer.
Peter's impulse to go to Jesus is driven by deep love and a desire to be with his Lord. He's not trying to show off, but to move towards Christ.
However, his request, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water," carries a conditional element. He needs confirmation – a command – before he’ll step out. This shows his faith is still developing; he's not yet fully trusting Jesus' word alone to sustain him. It’s a mix of eager love and a need for a tangible sign, a hallmark of faith that’s growing but not yet mature.
Jesus grants Peter's risky request. Why would He do that?
Jesus doesn't rebuke Peter for his conditional request. Instead, He says, 'Come.' This is Jesus’s way of drawing Peter out and teaching him.
By complying, Jesus demonstrates that He can indeed sustain Peter on the turbulent waters. This isn't just about Peter walking on water; it’s about Jesus showing His power and Peter learning his own dependence. Jesus often allows us to step out, not because our faith is perfect, but to reveal His perfect power and faithfulness, and to help us grow.
Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect, authority, and divine lordship, often used for Jesus as acknowledging His sovereignty and mastership over the speaker.
keleuō · Greek Verb
To cause someone to move toward another, indicating authoritative instruction that provides the basis for the recipient's action.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus calls disciples to ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples who leave their former lives to follow him. This establishes the core group who would later witness his miracles.
c. AD 30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men, plus women and children, with only five loaves and two fish. This event immediately precedes the incident on the Sea of Galilee.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus walks on the sea
Jesus walks on the stormy Sea of Galilee towards his disciples' boat. The disciples, terrified, mistake him for a ghost until he speaks to them.
c. AD 30
Peter walks on water
Peter, encouraged by Jesus' command, steps out of the boat and walks on the water towards Jesus. His faith falters when he sees the wind, and he begins to sink.
c. AD 30
Jesus calms the storm
This passage shows Peter's familiar impulsiveness and deep love for Jesus, as he jumps into the water to get to Him, mirroring his desire to come to Jesus on the water in Matthew 14.
1 Corinthians 10:13Peter's experience highlights how God provides a way out of temptation, but Peter's doubt, rather than the storm itself, was the true danger, reminding us that God's provision is linked to our faith.
Hebrews 11:1Peter's request to 'come to you on the water' is a powerful, albeit flawed, expression of faith, demonstrating that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, even when imperfectly applied.
Philippians 4:7Jesus' peace, which surpasses all understanding, is what Peter lacked when fear overwhelmed him. This verse reminds us that God's peace can guard our hearts and minds, even in chaotic circumstances like a stormy sea.
1 Peter 5:8Peter's later writing warns believers to be alert and sober-minded because of the devil's schemes. His sinking in Matthew 14 serves as a personal testament to the dangers of letting fear and doubt overshadow faith in Christ.
calvinMatthew 14:22-33: "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away."
- And immediately Jesus constrained his disciples to embark, and to go before him to the opposite bank, till he had sent away the multitudes. 23. And when he had sent away the multitudes, he went up into a mountain alone to pray; and when the evening came, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tosse…
barnesMatthew 14:28: "And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water."
And Peter answered ... - Here is an instance of the characteristic ardor and rashness of Peter. He had less real faith than he supposed, and more ardor than his faith would justify. He was rash, headlong, incautious, really attached to Jesus, but still easily daunted and prone to fall. He was afraid, therefore, when in danger, and, sinking, cried again for help. Thus he was suffered to lea…
Peter’s request isn't just about walking on water; it's a desperate plea to get closer to Jesus, even if it means facing the raging sea. His "if it is you" reveals a hesitant faith, yet his eagerness to step out shows an incredible, impulsive love for his Lord.
Jesus' disciples are struggling to row their boat against a strong wind on a stormy sea, while Jesus, who had stayed behind to pray, appears to them walking on the water. Initially terrified, thinking they're seeing a ghost, they are calmed when Jesus speaks and identifies himself, but Peter, ever impulsive and eager, asks Jesus to command him to walk on the water too.
Jesus' disciples are struggling to row their boat against a strong wind on a stormy sea, while Jesus, who had stayed behind to pray, appears to them walking on the water. Initially terrified, thinking they're seeing a ghost, they are calmed when Jesus speaks and identifies himself, but Peter, ever impulsive and eager, asks Jesus to command him to walk on the water too.
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Jesus enters the boat, and the wind immediately stops. The disciples worship Jesus, recognizing him as the Son of God.
"And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus." — Peter’s request isn't just about walking on water; it's a desperate plea to get closer to Jesus, even if it means facing the raging sea. His "if it is you" reveals a hesitant faith, yet his eagerne…
